An Interview With Stephen Matthews & James Ions
Hey gents, we’ll start with the same question we asked Rory Bevis… What made you ever want to become a referee?
James Ions: I've always admired Stephen Mattews so I tried following in his footsteps next is the hair cut... I just wanted to stay in the game in some capacity after getting fed up of playing and I'm glad I chose this option.
Stephen Matthews: I was a useless player, I was the kind of player who could only play non-contact… was never a fan of going into the corners! So the only way to stay within the game and not get hit was to become a referee.
You’ve both refereed at various rinks around the south, which have been your favourites and why?
SM: I think I have a few favourite rinks. Bracknell, because it is nice and warm... I also used to like going to the RVW just because of the atmosphere.
JI: I haven't visited every rink but I've been around a few. Out of all of the rinks I have visited the best atmosphere I've experienced is a packed out Bracknell game at home! It's hard to single out one because they're all fun at every level.
What about the ones you dislike?
SM: Has to be Gosport- just because the last few times I was there we used the Zamboni hose as a shower!
JI: There isn't a rink I don't like that I've visited already. Although I would improve a few facilities and extend a few of our dressing rooms they can be cramped at times!
As the ref you have to make the final call, everyone has their own way of dealing with players, how do you guys approach it?
SM: I find if you show players respect then hopefully you will get that back – I try to have a bit of banter with them. Communication I feel goes a long way.
JI: The only way to approach this is professionally, we all have jobs to do and not everyone is going to agree with every call. As long as you can communicate in a proper manner and explain your reasoning when necessary then everyone understands and it makes it a lot easier.
Emilio Fusco turned up on the island a few weeks back in a pair of shoes that looked like he’s nicked them from Al Capone… who are the best and worst turned out of the boys in stripes?
JI: I already know Matthews has put himself forward for best dressed without even reading his answers! Tim Pickett dresses well, I've spotted him in a 3 piece a few times this season. He's up there with the smartest. I don't think any of the boys are particularly badly dressed although some look like they got dressed at their grandparents house, blindfolded! I welcome some debate on this.....
SM: The worst dressed, that would have to be Emilio Fusco, have you seen the shoes that guy wears?? He looks like he goes shopping in the dark!
Best dressed – I would have to go for Tim Pickett, always turns up to games in a 3 piece suit… looks very dapper.
We talked with Rory about banter with the fans. We’ve heard some choice words directed at refs, how do you deal with it.
SM: Just try to laugh it off, all the paying fans have the right to voice their opinion, which I really don’t mind… you do have to be a bit thick skinned to dress in the stripes, it would be good if a select few do pick up a rule book every now and again mind!
JI: Every fan is passionate about their team and I have a lot of respect for that. They may say things that are not meant personally in the heat of the moment. I choose to let it go over my head. It's not a true reflection of their character so why hold it against them? When you hear those things it's just about letting it go in one ear and out the other and sticking together as a team.
You guys have worked alongside each other a few times so you obviously get on well… What are your worst habits on game days though?
SM: Worst habits?! I think it has to be James’ banter, he does like to think he is a funny guy, but we have to laugh just to make him feel better. Or it could even been his time keeping…. Maybe a watch for his birthday will help him!
JI: Stephen Matthews bad habits? He's always late and stops me getting my coffee. He always takes shotgun (front passenger) if we’re in someone else's car. He won't even play RPS for it, he usually cites travel sickness for an excuse! We’re always late because Stephens booster seat is a nightmare to get in the car, apart from that he's a good roadie.
As for me I'm always a bit tired and reflective after a game so probably not the best company on the return trip.
Last question from us… If you could change one rule in the league what would it be and why?
JI: There's not any that I’d change. They all have a purpose and help the game in one way or another!
SM: I think I would change the ‘icing infraction’ rule… not a penalty I am a fan of, especially in a tight game, but then every team knows the rule and I think it’s the only penalty that the teams can’t blame us for!
Cheers for your time gents, is there anything else you’d like to add?
SM: Yeah, roll on the summer!!!
JI: Thanks for the questions. It was fun answering them. Hope everyone enjoys the rest of the season at all levels! Roll on the summer, my legs need a rest!
A big thank you to Stephen and James for answering our questions. You can say hi to them both on twitter at @sjmatthews8 and @ions70 respectively.
If you’ve got any feedback, you can tweet me @MattMerritt. I’d love to hear from anyone who takes the time to read the blog.
If you’re a hockey player/coach/team manager in a competitive league, I’d love to ask you some questions too, please get in touch either here or via twitter